Presentation on theme: "Fossil fuel used primarily for electricity generation in the United States."— Presentation transcript:

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Trees are clear cut; explosives used to loosen soil & rock. Topsoil is removed using huge shovels. Draglines that are 20 stories high remove “overburden” to expose coal seams. Nearby valleys are filled with the removed rock. Coal companies are required to reclaim the land, but native plants often cannot grow in disturbed topsoil.

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Pros Coal is burned underground releasing hydrogen and methane, which is used to generate electricity. No dangerous underground mining and fewer emissions than burning coal above ground. Can burn coal that otherwise would not be used. Cons Potential for ground water contamination Potential for Sinkholes